Because the attrition rate for actual Checker taxis is ridiculously high compared to other cars, most Checkers on the market today are either non-taxi variants or come with some unique backstory that explains their survival. Take, for instance, this opera-window 1979 Checker Marathon for sale on Hemmings.com, originally a personal car for the owner of a taxi service, and one that has recently been treated to a full restoration. From the seller’s description:
This Sedan is factory equipped with airconditioning, power steering and power locks. The car was originally purchased by a Taxi Cab company owner, here in Nashville, to drive while his fleet of other Checker Cabs were fast at work. The mileage shows 7,484 however the previous owner’s son said that his father had passed 100,000 miles once. The Sedan was used to drive to and from the Garage which housed his cab company. This car was acquired approximately five years ago and underwent a very thorough restoration.
The car was disassembled down to the body on the frame with all the seats, doors, door panels, kick panels, rear interior panels and headliner removed. All the stainless body trim, lights, side maker lights and grill were removed and body inspected for rust. The front and rear fenders were removed and inspected for rust. Small rust areas from the original paint were addressed prior to priming.
The old carpet was removed and disgarded. Rust through was found in the floor boards and driver side firewall. New metal floor pans and firewall panels were fabricated and then installed. The original vinyl top caused two rust areas that were repaired. The frame is solid with no rust through.
The car was painted bright white prior to reassembly. The original blue vinyl top was replaced with an application of polymer based protective coating. The vulnerable roof and rain channels are now completely sealed preventing water intrusion. The egine compartment was cleaned and painted black. The underside of the car was treated to prevent corrosion and protect the new floor pans and firewall.
New door seals and window felts were installed along with new seals and bumper body kit provided by Checker Parts. New windshield and windshield gasket installed. The door panels were cleaned with fresh door panels under the original door panel coverings.
A new black carpet kit was installed from Checker Parts. The Front and rear seats were recoverd with vinyl matching the original coverings. The small round jumpseats are original and in very good condition. The solid aluminum bumpers were removed and polished to chrome like finish. The original hub caps were cleaned and polished.
Mechanically the car was in good shape when purchased. The engine received a good cleaning, tune up along with new plugs and plug wires. The transmission shifts normally and the car runs well on the road. New tires were installed after reassembly and the alignment checked.
The brakes front and rear function properly. The master cylinder was replaced with a rebuilt unit from Checker Parts. The airconditioner blows cold air and the power steering does not leak.
See more Checkers for sale on Hemmings.com.
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